# Inspection Files Pictures and notes **URL:** \ **Category:** Misc. Discussion\ **Created:** [June 17, 2025, 12:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217 "2025-06-17T12:46:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mcyr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mcyr/32/173319_2.png) [@mcyr](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mcyr)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 12:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/1 "2025-06-17T12:46:36Z")
How long in years should we keep that? I want to clean up and throw them away. My last inspection was in 2017. ---
**Author:** ![ndegaris](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ndegaris/32/410567_2.png) [@ndegaris](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ndegaris)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/2 "2025-06-17T13:15:36Z")
You might contact someone here to find that answer [Real Estate Commission | Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation](https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/real-estate-commission) ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 1:18pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/3 "2025-06-17T13:18:11Z")
> [@mcyr](#): > > How long in years should we keep that? > I want to clean up and throw them away. My last inspection was in 2017 This comes to mind as a start. IRS- [How long should I keep records?](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records) Being sued for negligence- check what the statute of limitations is for negligence in your state. ---
**Author:** ![mcyr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mcyr/32/173319_2.png) [@mcyr](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mcyr)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 2:35pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/4 "2025-06-17T14:35:47Z")
> [@lkage](#): > > Being sued for negligence- check what the statute of limitations is for negligence in your state. I checked and it stated 6 years so to the dump they go. LOL ---
**Author:** ![rkenney](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rkenney/32/405447_2.png) [@rkenney](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rkenney)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 2:48pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/5 "2025-06-17T14:48:15Z")
Maryland law requires me to keep all the information (photos, notes, report) related to a home inspection for five years. Maryland has no laws for commercial inspections but 5 years is a good guideline. Your state may have laws. You are definitely past the five year mark. ---
**Author:** ![dandersen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dandersen/32/59398_2.png) [@dandersen](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dandersen)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 4:05pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/6 "2025-06-17T16:05:15Z")
0780-05-12-.14 RECORDS RETENTION. All licensed home inspectors shall retain original and true copies or electronic copies of all written contracts and agreements for home inspector services and all home inspection reports for a period of at least three (3) years commencing on the home inspection date. Authority: T.C.A. § 62-6-303 This is what TN requires. Got this out of the HI Rules. ---
**Author:** ![kleonard](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/kleonard/32/170953_2.png) [@kleonard](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kleonard)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 4:21pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/7 "2025-06-17T16:21:35Z")
> [@mcyr](#): > > How long in years should we keep that? > I want to clean up and throw them away. My last inspection was in 2017. Here in Ohio we’re required by law to keep everything for 5 years. I have every PIA, report, and picture stored electronically since day one, which was March of 2003. I used to store them on CDs now I use memory sticks. ---
**Author:** ![ruecker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ruecker/32/357170_2.png) [@ruecker](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ruecker)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 8:30pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/8 "2025-06-17T20:30:13Z")
It’s not a bad idea to have a written “document retention and disposal” policy. This may help protect you if you are ever sued and they accuse you of destroying possible evidence (notes, pictures, other media, etc.). > **[Document Retention & Destruction Policy Guide](https://start.docuware.com/blog/document-management/document-retention-policy)** > > Discover how to create an effective document retention policy for your organization, key components of such policies, and how DocuWare can help maintain compliance seamlessly. ---
**Author:** ![imayer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/imayer/32/197054_2.png) [@imayer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/imayer)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 1:21am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/9 "2025-06-18T01:21:58Z")
Every state is different. California it’s 4 years. Your state can and will vary. ---
**Author:** ![rmayo](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmayo/32/59218_2.png) [@rmayo](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmayo)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 3:02pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspection-files-pictures-and-notes/257217/10 "2025-06-18T15:02:45Z")
I keep a digital copy of all photos and reports. Over the past 30 years I have reinspected the same houses multiple times. I always review the previous report and photos before I reinspect the same house.